DHEA Is Vital To Health

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February 27, 2003Smart PublicationsHealth & Wellness Update Dear Friends, In

this week's e-mail we’ll review the (literally) thousands of studies on DHEA and

summarize them for you. What are the possible benefits DHEA supplementation

offers … why has its popularity soared since it first became available

over-the-counter in 1995 . . .and are there risks involved in taking it as a

nutritional supplement?In good health,John MorgenthalerThe truth about DHEA

supplementationDHEA is vital to healthDehydroepiandrosterone (pronounced

dee-hi-dro-ep-i-an-dro-stair-own), or more commonly called DHEA, is the most

abundant steroid found in the human blood stream. It is also one of the most

reliable bio-markers of aging. DHEA is secreted by the adrenal glands, and also

produced in the gonads (testes and ovaries), and brain. It is sometimes called

the " mother of all hormones " because it is the building block from which

estrogen and testosterone are produced, and is vital to health. Thousands of

scientific articles have been published on DHEA during the last 50 years, but a

clear picture of its role in human health didn't begin to emerge until the

1990's. DHEA exhibits an amazingly wide diversity of effects DHEA has been

reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-dementia, anti-obesity, anti-carcinogenic,

anti-stress, immune-enhancing, anti-viral and anti-bacterial, anti-aging and

anti-heart disease effects.1,2,3 In addition, research has shown that DHEA:•

is an antioxidant• is a hormone regulator (it helps regulate the thyroid &

pituitary glands, and enhances thymus gland function)• decreases cholesterol•

stimulates the production of human growth hormone• boosts immunity by

stimulating killer cell activity • increases the sensitivity of cells to

insulin• assists in returning the body to a balanced state after a stress

reaction• improves cognitive function, bone formation and libido• enhances

mood by increasing the brain's serotonin levels DHEA levels decrease with age

Your DHEA levels vary throughout your life, and naturally decline as you get

older. We produce large amounts of DHEA when we're young, and research shows

that children's brains require a significant amount of DHEA to grow and develop.

DHEA levels peak at age 25 and decline at a rate of about 2% a year, thereafter.

It isn't until the mid-forties, however, that we being to feel the effects of

lower DHEA levels. By age 80, most people's DHEA blood levels are only about

15% of where they were during the 20s. By the time we're 90, DHEA levels are

down to 5%.4 According to Michael Galitzer, M.D., co-founder of the American

Health Institute in Los Angeles, California, symptoms of a DHEA deficiency

include: poor memory, poor resistance to noise, anxiety, decreased libido

(especially in women), decreased armpit and pubic hair, and dry skin, eyes or

hair.5Very low levels of DHEA have been linked to cardiovascular disease in men,

some cancers, trauma, and stress; low levels are also associated with old age,

particularly in the unwell, institutionalized elderly. Research has also shown

a correlation between low DHEA levels and a declining immune system. Also,

Alzheimer patients have exhibited low DHEA levels, when compared to their

healthy counterparts.Other factors that contribute to decreased DHEA levels•

disease• sugar• nicotine• caffeine• alcohol• nutritional imbalances•

a vegetarian diet low in cholesterol and healthy fats 6 DHEA is considered a

good stress barometer because when stress levels go up, DHEA levels go down.DHEA

supplementationReplacement of low levels of DHEA through regular supplementation

has been proposed as a way to indirectly slow down the aging process and improve

quality of life. In addition, DHEA is known to stabilize nerve-cell growth and

is being tested in Alzheimer's patients. And since you can't obtain DHEA from

food, supplementation is recommended in order to maintain adequate levels for

optimal health.7In animal studies, replacing DHEA has had startling anti-aging

effects. Large doses of the hormone have restored older animals' strength and

vigor.How does DHEA work in the body?Although it's still unclear exactly how

DHEA works, scientists believe this is what happens: Circulating through the

blood stream in an inactive form called DHEA sulfate, this hormone becomes

active when it comes in contact with a specific cell or tissue that " needs " it.

Consequently, the sulfate is removed and it is then converted to androgens and

estrogens.One of DHEA's most over-looked, but vital roles may be its ability to

counter-balance cortisol — when DHEA is low, cortisol levels are high and

vice-versa. Cortisol, one of the few hormones that usually increases with age,

induces stress. And when it circulates at high levels for long periods of time

it may affect many bodily functions, including damaging insulin resistance and

the endocrine system, and the hypothalamus. Maintaining healthy levels of DHEA

for aging and stressed individuals may be its most important role due to its

ability to lower cortisol levels.8,9Recent studies highlight DHEA's role as

" molecular superpower " DHEA is currently being used in the fight against HIV,

cancer and senile dementia. Here are a few study highlights:Immune protectorAn

important DHEA study published in 1997 demonstrated the effects of DHEA on the

immune systems of nine healthy " age-advanced men " (mean age: 63). The men were

given 50 mg of DHEA daily for 20 weeks, after a two-week treatment with a

placebo. The results showed that DHEA rejuvenated the immune system by

increasing the number and potency of natural killer cells, which normally

decrease (in numbers and potency) with age — and which are a key part of the

immune system, constantly on the look out for viruses and cancer cells. There

were no adverse effects noted from the DHEA.10 Comparable findings were reported

in a similar study with eleven postmenopausal women.11 Anti-obesity

effectsInsulin resistance and syndrome X contribute to aging, obesity,

cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health problems. A growing body of

evidence indicates that DHEA plays a significant role in reducing age-related

increases in insulin levels, insulin resistance, and blood glucose —which in

turn helps reduce the risks of syndrome X, obesity, CVD, and diabetes.A 1995

30-day double-blind, placebo controlled study with 22 men (mean age:57), using

100 mg DHEA nightly showed that serum insulin decreased from 35.3 to 25.8 mU/ml,

while serum glucose declined from 93.4 to 88.9 mg/ml. Serum insulin and glucose

did not change significantly in the placebo group.12 In a three-study with 15

postmenopausal women (mean age:62), 50 mg of DHEA was also found to decrease

age-related increases in insulin resistance.13Increases energy, improves well

beingA 6-month placebo /double-blind crossover trial in which 13 men and 17

women, age 40 – 70 were given 50 mg. of DHEA daily, showed that 67% of the men

and 84% of the women felt more relaxed, had increased energy, were able to

handle stress more easily, and experienced deeper sleep. Also five subjects

reported marked improvements of pre-existing joint pains and mobility during

DHEA replacement.14 Protects brain cells from Alzheimer's diseasePeople with

Alzheimer's disease have been found to have 48% less DHEA than matched controls

of the same age.15 A major study on DHEA and the elderly published in 1990

compared DHEA-S levels in 50 independently-living men, age 55 - 94 with the

DHEA-S levels in 61 men, age 57 - 104, who were living in a nursing home. The

results showed that DHEA was significantly lower in the men who were living in

the nursing home (and who were generally more debilitated) than in the men

living independently.16 How safe is DHEA? Although the specific mechanisms of

action for DHEA are only partially understood, and very little is known about

long-term human use, no serious side effects have been reported in more than

5,000 scientific studies.17 There is also strong reason to believe that DHEA

supplements may improve overall health and even extend life span.The biggest

concern over DHEA supplementation is the issue of androgen/estrogen production

from DHEA. Various tissues can convert DHEA to either androgens (testosterone,

dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione) or estrogens (estrone, estradiol). DHEA

studies have reported significant androgen increases in women, at a 50 mg and

higher dosage18,19,20,21 and a decreased testosterone level in men, combined

with an increase in estradiol21, which can result in acne, oily skin, facial

hair growth in women, and irritability, insomnia, fatigue, and breast

enlargement in men Also, DHEA is NOT recommended for people under 30 years of

age, unless indicated by blood testing; or for pregnant or nursing women; or

people at risk for breast, uterine or prostate cancer.How much should you

take?Ideal DHEA dosages can vary dramatically from person to person. Age is a

strong factor, but other biological influences may be significant. Perhaps the

best answer is to be cautious and use low doses of DHEA on a regular basis. For

the most accurate information, ask your doctor to do before-and-after tests of

blood DHEA and DHEA-sulfate levels. Testing for DHEA blood serum levelsJacob

Teitelbaum, M.D., a board certified internist, director of the Annapolis

Research Center for Effective CFS/Fibromyalgia Therapies, and author of From

Fatigued to Fantastic! (Penguin Putnam, August 2001) recommends that your blood

be drawn before 9 a.m., and that you don't eat or drink anything besides water

that morning. He prescribes DHEA supplementation if the DHEA-S is less than 120

mcg/DL in a woman or 350 mcg/DL in a man. Saliva testFor a fraction of the cost

of laboratory blood tests, you can also do a home saliva test. Salivary drug

testing has been an acceptable research tool for several years, and can be a

reliable procedure. Generally, when you order a test kit, you'll receive one or

two collection tubes, a pre-paid return mailer, as well as identification forms,

labels and packing materials. Then, you simply expectorate saliva into the

collection tube(s), filling the tube(s) to the specified line. Finally,

complete the forms, mail the package and wait for the results.Hormone test kits

and related laboratory services are available trough:ZRT Laboratory1815 NW 169th

Pl. Suite 5050Beaverton, Oregon 97006 Phone: 503 466-2445 Fax: 503

466-1636http://www.salivatest.comPowerful anti-aging toolDHEA can be a safe,

effective way to increase your energy, improve your mood, and protect your

immune system and brain cells. Although DHEA supplementation is still

relatively new, it's been found to be safe, as long you stay within the

recommended guidelines we provided. DHEA supplementation for those 40 years of

age and up may very well prove to be one of the most powerful tools for slowing

down the aging process and maintaining health. References:1. Rudman, D. et al

(1990) " Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in nursing home men " J Ann Geriatr

Soc 38: 421-27. 2. Kalimi, M. et al (1994) " Anti-glucocorticoid effects of

dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) " Molec Cell Biochem 131: 99-104.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=8\

035785 & dopt=Abstract 3. Regelson, W. & Kalimi, M. (1994) " Dehydroepiandrosterone

(DHEA) - the multifunctional steroid " Ann NY Acad Sci 719: 564-75.4. Regelson,

William, M.D., & Colman, Carol. The Superhormone Promise. New York: Simon &

Schuster, 1996.5. Alternative Medicine, edited by Trivieri, Larry, Jr. &

Anderson, John W., Celestial Arts, Berkeley, CA. 2002.6. Ibid.7. Cherniske S.

The DHEA Breakthrough. New York: Ballantine Books,

1996.http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0345426460/qid=1046202129/sr=\

1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-0067775-5431301?v=glance & s=books 8. Sears, B. The Anti-Aging

Zone. NY: Regan Brooks. 1999.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060392436/102-0067775-5431301?vi=\

glance#product-details 9. Dilman, V. & Dean, W. The Neuroendocrine Theory of

Aging and Degenerative Disease. Pensacola: Center for Bio-Gerontology.

1992.http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0937777021/qid=1046202570/sr=\

1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-0067775-5431301?v=glance & s=books 10. Khorram, O. et al (1997)

" Activation of immune function by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in age-advanced

men " J. Gerontol 52A:

M1-M7http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_u\

ids=9008662 & dopt=Abstract 11. Casson, P. et al (1993) " Oral

dehydroepiandrosterone in physiologic doses modulates immune function in

postmenopausal women " Am J Obstet Gynecol 169:

1536-39.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & lis\

t_uids=8267058 & dopt=Abstract 12. Jakubowicz, D. et al (1995) " Effect of

dehydroepiandrosterone on cyclic-guanosine monophosphate in age-advanced men "

Ann NY Acad Sci 774: 312-15.13. Bates, G. et al (1995) " DHEA attenuates study

induced declines in insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal women " Ann NY Acad Sci

774:

291-3.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_\

uids=8597468 & dopt=Abstract 14. Morales, A. et al (1994) " Effects of replacement

dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men and women of advancing age " J Clin

Endocrinol Metab 78:

1360-67.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & lis\

t_uids=7515387 & dopt=Abstract 15. Fowkes, The Independent, Sept. 1, 1989, pp.

616. Rudman, D. et al (1990) " Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in nursing

home men " J Ann Geriatr Soc 38:

421-27.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list\

_uids=2139448 & dopt=Abstract 17. Alternative Medicine, edited by Trivieri, Larry,

Jr. & Anderson, John W., Celestial Arts, Berkeley, CA. 2002.18. Labrie, F. et

al (1997) " Effect of 12 month dehyroepiandrosterone replacement therapy on bone,

vagina, and endometrium in postmenopausal women " J Clin Endrocrinol Metab 82:

3498-3505.19. Casson, P. et al (1993) " Oral dehydroepiandrosterone in

physiologic doses modulates immune function in postmenopausal women " Am J Obstet

Gynecol 169:

1536-39.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & lis\

t_uids=8267058 & dopt=Abstract 20. Morales, A. et al (1994) " Effects of

replacement dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men and women of advancing age " J

Clin Endocrinol Metab 78:

1360-67.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & lis\

t_uids=7515387 & dopt=Abstract21. Bloch, M. et al (1999) " Dehydroepiandrosterone

treatment of midlife dysthymia " Biol Psychiatry 45:

1533-41http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list\

_uids=10376113 & dopt=Abstract

 

 

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